Slow-Smoked Brisket with Pepper Bark and Mac and Cheese
Tender brisket smoked low and slow to develop a peppery bark, served alongside creamy baked macaroni and cheese. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 630 minutes pairs beef brisket, kosher salt, coarse black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 850 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 5 lbs beef brisket
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp coarse black pepper
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 12 oz macaroni pasta
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Mix 2 tbsp kosher salt, 2 tbsp coarse black pepper, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, and 1 tsp smoked paprika to make a dry rub. Rub evenly over the entire 5 lbs beef brisket, pressing into the meat.
- Step 2: Place the brisket fat side up in the smoker and smoke for about 8-10 hours until the internal temperature reaches 195°F, developing a dark, peppery bark. Wrap in foil after 6 hours to retain moisture.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 oz macaroni pasta for 7 minutes until al dente, then drain.
- Step 4: In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until it forms a roux.
- Step 5: Gradually add 2 cups milk while whisking continuously. Cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 6: Stir in 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until melted and smooth.
- Step 7: Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni, transfer to a baking dish, and top with 1/2 cup bread crumbs tossed with 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Step 8: Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Slice the smoked brisket against the grain and serve alongside the mac and cheese.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Smoked Brisket with Pepper Bark and Mac and Cheese take to make?
Total time is about 630 minutes (30 min prep + 600 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Slow-Smoked Brisket with Pepper Bark and Mac and Cheese?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef brisket from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Smoked Brisket with Pepper Bark and Mac and Cheese?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow-Smoked Brisket with Pepper Bark and Mac and Cheese for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Slow-Smoked Brisket with Pepper Bark and Mac and Cheese?
American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
